What's the news?

Volvo's official tuning division, Polestar, unveiled a hardcore version of the S60 at Gothenburg City Race. Officially, the 508hp Volvo S60 Polestar Performance Concept was built for one specific client, but if it receives enough interest Volvo may put the BMW M3 baiter into production.

Exterior

Taking inspiration from the Polestar Volvos that race in the Swedish touring car series the one-off S60 features a fully wind-tunnel tested exterior that is 20mm wider than the standard car and a lowered front splitter and larger rear spoiler to keep the car stable at high speeds. A carbon fibre diffuser has also been fitted and the whole thing rolls on 19-inch Polestar alloys with six-pot Brembo calipers behind them.

Interior

Obviously designed with enthusiastic driving in mind the S60 Polestar features Polestar designed seats with increased support. Alcantara trims them, the steering wheel and gear knob to ensure maximum grip, while the centre console has been lowered for better ergonomics.

Mechanicals

Speculation before the official unveiling pointed towards the S60 Polestar being powered by a tuned version of the V8 engine used in the XC90; however what we got is a tuned version of the Volvo T6 engine - with a whopping big Garrett turbo attached. The end result is 508hp, 575Nm, 0-62mph in 3.9 seconds and a top speed of 186mph. Volvo says that the powerplant "in combination with a lowered, widened and reinforced chassis together with a tuned Haldex all-wheel drive system and Öhlins suspension makes the car suitable for both high performance driving and long distance travelling." In a world of double-clutch gearboxes Volvo is hoping to appeal to enthusiastic drivers by fitting a six-speed manual to its performance saloon.

Anything else?

In a case of "if you come, we will build it" Volvo says that a small series of Polestar modified S60s may be built pending market response. So get down to your local Volvo dealer and start badgering.

Paul Healy - 18 Jun 2012